Also known as dental caries, cavities are a common disorder that can affect anyone, including children and adults. Cavities are holes or decayed areas on the tooth surfaces. The leading causes of cavities include eating sugary foods, poor oral hygiene, and plaque buildup. There are several treatments for dental cavities, including fillings, root canal procedures, or tooth extraction. Tooth extraction is the last resort; dentists only recommend it when a tooth cannot be saved. The sooner you visit a dentist after noticing the symptoms of dental cavities, the higher the chances of saving your tooth.
Understanding Dental Cavities
A cavity is a hole on the tooth’s surface due to tooth decay. Cavities occur when the acid in your mouth erodes or wears down the tooth’s outer layer. Anyone can suffer cavities; the only way to prevent them is by observing good oral hygiene and visiting a dentist regularly.
A significant percentage of people in the United States develop cavities by the time they reach thirty years old. Cavities rank among the chronic diseases that affect people of all ages. Cavities are more common in children but can develop at any age. Children often consume sugary foods, and most of them do not brush their teeth appropriately.
Cavities can occur in adulthood even if you have undergone cavity treatment during childhood. Adults have a higher risk of receding gums, which makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate and cause cavities.
Symptoms Of Dental Cavities
Especially when cavities are only on the outer enamel, they are not likely to portray any symptoms. You are likely to experience symptoms when the decay penetrates the enamel, reaching the dentin or pulp. Some of the common symptoms of dental cavities include:
- Bad taste in your mouth or bad breath, also known as halitosis
- Facial swelling
- Bleeding gums or other symptoms of gum disease
- Mouth pain or toothache
- Facial swelling
- Sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks
Cavities Versus Stained Teeth
In the early stages, cavities are challenging to notice. However, you might notice white or chalky areas on the tooth surface. You will see brown and black spots as the condition worsens. Most people might have a hard time differentiating between cavities and stains because both discolor the teeth. However, compared to stains, cavities are darker in color. If you see discoloration on one tooth, you likely have cavities because stains affect several teeth. Contact a dentist immediately if you suspect cavities because prompt treatment is crucial.
Stages Of Dental Cavities
The tooth has several layers, and cavities can affect all of them. The main stages of tooth decay include the following:
- Demineralization
- Enamel decay
- Dentin decay
- Pulp damage
- Abscessed tooth
Demineralization is the initial stage of tooth decay. At this stage, you might notice tiny chalky spots on the tooth. This results from a mineral breakdown in the tooth.
If not addressed, tooth decay progresses and further breaks down the enamel. You might start noticing cavities or holes in the tooth. With time, the white spots can develop a light brown color.
Dentin decay occurs in the area beneath the tooth enamel. Compared to the tooth enamel, the dentin is softer. There, at this point, decay progresses fast. The spots on your teeth might turn brown, and you might also notice heightened tooth sensitivity.
The innermost layer of the tooth is known as the pulp. Blood vessels that transport nutrients to the tooth and the nerves that keep the tooth alive are found in this area. You might experience pain when cavities penetrate the pulp. You might also notice swelling and redness in the areas surrounding the tooth. The spots on your tooth can also appear dark brown or even black.
An abscessed tooth can develop when you fail to address deep cavities. A periapical abscess can develop and is characterized by pus at the tip of your tooth root. The common signs of a dental abscess include persistent pain that radiates into the face or jaw. Swelling can also occur on the face or the lymph nodes in your neck. A dental abscess should not be ignored because the infection can spread to other parts of the body. In some rare cases, the infection can enter your bloodstream and spread to the brain.
The Risk Factors Of Tooth Decay
There are several risk factors for tooth decay, with the common ones being:
- A dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. Several medical conditions and medications like antidepressants can increase your risk of developing a dry mouth.
- Family history of cavities
- Consuming starchy or sugary foods and drinks or snacking in between meals
- Gum recession
- If you have previously undergone radiation therapy to treat cancer of the head or neck
The bacteria in your mouth thrive on starchy or sugary foods or drinks like candy, fruit, soda, bread, milk, and juice. Plaque accumulation occurs when the food mixes with your saliva, mouth acid, and bacteria. Plaque is a sticky substance that adheres to the teeth, increasing the risk of cavities.
Without proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, plaque dissolves tooth enamel, causing cavities or holes in the surface.
Most people often ask: Are cavities contagious?
Cavities are not contagious, but the bacteria that cause cavities can be passed from one person to the other. The bacteria that you pick from another person, for example, through kissing, can eventually cause dental cavities.
Diagnosis Of Dental Cavities
The best way to catch dental cavities before they progress is through regular dental checkups, preferably twice a year. The longer you stay with cavities without treatment, the larger they will grow and worsen. When diagnosing dental cavities, dentists use several instruments to examine the teeth. When a dentist probes a tooth, the area with the cavity feels softer.
Sometimes, your dentist can recommend dental x-rays to identify the location of the dental cavity. Dental X-rays reveal cavities even before decay is visible.
During the initial dental appointment, here are some questions that you can ask your dentist:
- Why did you develop a dental cavity
- What is the ideal treatment for the cavity
- What can you do to lower the risk of developing additional cavities
- What are the recommended oral health products
- What are the common signs of complications
Types of Cavities
A cavity can develop at any surface of the tooth. There are several types of cavities:
- Smooth surface
- Pit and fissure
- Root decay
Smooth surface decay develops slowly and affects the tooth enamel. This decay can be prevented or reversed by practicing proper oral hygiene. People in their 20s can suffer this decay that often occurs between the teeth.
Pit and fissure decay occurs on top of the tooth’s chewing surface. This decay can also occur on the front side of your back teeth. Pit and fissure decay occurs during puberty and can progress rapidly.
You are more likely to root decay if you have receding gums. Gum recession reveals the roots of your teeth, exposing them to acid and dental plaque. Cavities are challenging to prevent and treat if you have gum disease. Therefore, if you have gum disease, you should schedule an appointment with a periodontist.
Managing and Treating Cavities
The ideal treatment for cavities depends on the severity of the condition. The common treatments for cavities include:
- Fillings
- Fluoride treatment
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth extraction
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings come in handy when holes occur in the teeth. The dentist drills the tooth and removes the decayed part when filling cavities. The dentist then fills the hole with composite resin, silver amalgam, or gold.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment can repair tooth decay, especially in the early stages of the decay. Dentists use fluoride to treat tooth decay in children. Fluoride treatment can reverse tooth decay through the process of remineralization. You can combine fluoride treatment with toothpaste and mouthwash to keep cavities at bay.
Root Canal Treatment
Your dentist might recommend root canal treatment if you have advanced dental cavities. Advanced tooth decay can cause pain. Root canal treatment can relieve this pain. Endodontists perform root canals, so your dentist might refer you to one or perform the procedure if he/she is qualified in endodontic treatment.
When performing a root canal, the endodontist removes the infected tooth pulp. The dentist then uses a special material known as gutta-percha to fill the canal and the pulp chamber. If the root canal treatment weakens the tooth, you might need a dental crown to cover the tooth and hold it in place.
Tooth Extraction
If all the other treatment methods fail, your dentist can recommend tooth extraction. Tooth extraction involves pulling out the tooth if it cannot be saved. After pulling out a permanent tooth, the dentist can use a dental bridge or implant to replace the tooth. Your dentist will discuss the available options with you.
Preventing Dental Cavities
The best way to prevent cavities is by observing proper oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Brushing and flossing your teeth can help you get rid of food particles and the accumulated plaque on the teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid injuring your gums. You should also use a fluoride toothpaste whenever you brush your teeth. Flossing helps remove the food particles trapped between your teeth. Brush your teeth, preferably after every meal.
Cut back on starchy and sugary foods and drinks. The harmful bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar. When you consume sugary foods and drinks, you increase the risk of tooth decay.
Visit your dentist for regular dental checkups, preferably twice per year. You might require more frequent dental visits if you are more prone to tooth decay. You also require more frequent dental checkups if you have gum disease or other dental issues.
Dentists also use dental sealants, especially in children. Dental sealants cover the tooth’s surface and prevent cavities. You can talk to your dentist regarding dental sealants for your child.
What Is The Outlook If You Have Cavities
Most patients with cavities do not experience significant or lifelong challenges. It is crucial to undergo regular dental checkups. Since cavities develop slowly, you can catch them early by ensuring that you undergo regular checkups. In the early stages, interventions like fluoride treatment can halt tooth decay. However, you risk developing an infection or losing your tooth when the decay advances to the deeper tooth layers. If a dental abscess develops, it must be treated promptly to prevent it from spreading to other areas of the body.
If the cavities go untreated for too long, you might lose a large portion of your tooth, necessitating an extraction.
Whether Cavities Can Heal On Their Own
You might be able to reverse a cavity in the early stages. Sometimes, the tooth enamel can repair itself, resolving the cavity. You can remineralize your teeth with fluoride treatment if the cavity is small and has not spread beneath the enamel. However, if the cavity spreads to the dentin, you will require a dental filling, crown, or other dental restoration to repair it.
Is it too late if the cavities hurt? Pain means that decay has penetrated the inner tooth layers. At this point, the decay cannot heal on its own; you will need a dentist to repair the tooth. If you act fast, your dentist can save your tooth. Dentists always strive to save your natural tooth, but you might require an extraction if the decay is widespread. You can discuss the treatment options with your dentist.
Find an Experienced Dentist Near Me
If you notice signs of tooth decay, you should not hesitate to contact a dentist. A dentist will examine your tooth, determine the extent of decay, and recommend the ideal treatment. You might not even require a dental filling if the dentist identifies the decay in the early stages. Most people postpone dental checkups because dental visits can be stressful. If you are anxious about seeking treatment, you can speak to your dentist. During treatment, dentists use anesthesia or even sedation to ensure that you are comfortable.
If you or your child has cavities and requires reliable treatment, contact The Lakewood Dentist. Despite offering high-quality dental services, all our services are affordable. Call us at 562-423-1441 to speak to one of our dentists.